Sir Thomas Seymour And Princess Elizabeth ("lamentation" By C.j.sansom)

[muffin10]

In the history note at the conclusion of this (excellent) book, Sansom correctly says that after Henry VIII's death, Catherine Parr married Sir Thomas Seymour and Princess (later Queen) Elizabeth went to live with the couple.

He adds, almost as an aside, that when Catherine fell pregnant, Seymour sexually abused the 14 year old Princess.

Is there any evidence that this is the case?

[woofgang]

It comes from a written report by Kat Ashley, the Princess's governess. I don't think that anyone disputes what she said, but of course no one can now prove the truth of it.
http://www.elizabethfiles.com/catherine-parr-and-thomas-seymour-part-two/3660/

[muffin10]

Thanks - it seemed more than a little improbable, but I suppose that's present-day thinking.

[jno]

it's sometimes suggested as the reason Elizabeth kept men at arm's length during her reign (though doubtless she also had political reasons for doing so)

[sandyRoe]

How did the Lord Protector ends his days? Did one of his charges, when they'd grown up, have his head lopped off?

[johnny37]

Hf it did happen it was highly dangerous in those days, leading to a very painful death.

[woofgang]

At the time it happened, she was fairly powerless and, at times, even in danger of death. It might have been piquant to Tom Seymour to demonstrate his power over the daughter of a king in such a way.

[BlackadderV]

Edward Seymour, Lord Protector, was executed in 1552, after the Earl of Warwick, later Duke of Northumberland, took over affairs of state and Seymour was convicted of felony in plotting to bring down Warwick's regime. Northumberland did not last long; after the death of Edward VI he put his daughter in law Jane Grey on the throne. When the Privy Council had a change of heart and proclaimed Mary Tudor as queen, he lost his head.

[Peter Pedant]

the wiki entry on Catherine Parr has details

Elizabeth in some of her marriage negoriations had to prove she was well a maiden lady as a result of these rumours and passed